The Oregon Ducks are back and ready to dominate the Big Ten, but their season opener against Montana State promises some unexpected twists! With key players gone from both sides, how will these new-look teams perform? Find out who’s ready for the spotlight!
The highly anticipated college football season is upon us, bringing with it a wave of significant transformations for both the formidable Oregon Ducks football program and the ambitious Montana State Bobcats. As Dan Lanning’s Ducks prepare to embark on their second campaign in the challenging Big Ten Conference, they face a familiar yet fundamentally altered opponent, setting the stage for an intriguing season opener.
Oregon, fresh off a remarkable inaugural Big Ten football season, has seen a substantial exodus of talent to the NFL. Ten key players, including star quarterback Dillon Gabriel, dynamic receiver Tez Johnson, and potent running back Jordan James, have moved on to professional ranks, necessitating a comprehensive roster rebuild and the emergence of new playmakers to maintain their championship aspirations.
Similarly, the Montana State Bobcats arrive in Eugene with a significantly reshaped lineup. Their prolific quarterback, Tommy Mellott, has transitioned to the Las Vegas Raiders, and standout running back Scottre Humphrey is now with New Mexico. These departures mean both teams will present vastly different looks compared to their previous iterations, making scouting reports a challenging, yet crucial, component of their early season preparations.
Adding an interesting layer to the matchup, the Ducks will encounter a familiar face leading the Montana State offense: quarterback Justin Lamson. Having spent the last two seasons at Stanford, Lamson previously started against Oregon in 2023. While his 11-of-20 for 106 yards performance in a 42-6 Oregon victory provides some insight, the current scheme and supporting cast will undoubtedly shape his impact.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning acknowledges the benefit of prior experience with Lamson but emphasizes a broader strategic focus for the college football preview. He notes that evaluating a player’s past performance is secondary to meticulously analyzing the coordinator’s scheme and Montana State’s overall offensive philosophy from the previous season. This approach underscores the depth of preparation required for such a matchup.
The Montana State Bobcats, despite playing at the FCS level, are far from a lightweight opponent. They have demonstrated consistent excellence, securing their third consecutive Big Sky Conference title and achieving a program-best 15-1 record last season, with their sole defeat coming in the FCS National Championship game. Their proven winning culture suggests they will be a well-coached and determined adversary.
The Oregon Ducks themselves are coming off an electrifying 2024 season that saw them conquer top-ranked Ohio State at Autzen and subsequently defeat Penn State 45-37 in the Big Ten title game, capping an undefeated conference debut. Although their College Football Playoff journey ended at the hands of the Buckeyes, their performance solidified their status as a national powerhouse and a legitimate contender in the expanded Big Ten.
For the Bobcats, offensive continuity will rely heavily on key returning talent. Receiver Taco Dowler remains a significant threat, and running back Adam Jones, the reigning Big Sky freshman of the year who rushed for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, enters this year as the league’s preseason offensive MVP. Their ability to deliver against a top-tier FBS opponent will be critical in this compelling early-season contest.
